Aging Backwards: Beautiful skin begins at The Face Place by kc

Author: Linda S. Hopkins

“I want to look my age,” said no woman over age 30 ever. It’s no secret that we all want to look younger. The question is, how? Bombarded by infomercials, celebrity endorsements, and pop-ups, it’s no wonder we’re confused. But Kathy Cooksey, owner and operator of The Face Place by kc in Bluffton, is here to tell you the truth about the products, services and techniques that will give you the younger looking skin you desire.

According to Cooksey, beautiful skin doesn’t start in the plastic surgery suite. It starts with good skincare practices, including professional services and proper home care. Even if you do decide to undergo cosmetic surgery or explore other medical options, getting your skin in good condition first is key to the best results.

Working in the beauty and skincare industry since 1976, Cooksey has seen many changes and advances throughout her career and offers a full array of revitalizing treatments to help all women regain a more youthful appearance. Her services include a variety of customized facials and state-of-the-art non-surgical anti-aging treatments as well as waxing (brows to Brazilian), exfoliation, brow and lash tinting, makeup application for special occasions, makeup lessons and much more. But perhaps what she loves most about her chosen vocation is the opportunity to educate her clients regarding their skincare practices, setting them on the path to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful skin.

According to Cooksey, some myths and old wives’ tales die hard. Here, she clears up a few common misunderstandings and shares her recommendations for putting your best face forward.

Myth: Vaseline is a good eye makeup remover and will make your eyelashes grow.Truth: “Never use Vaseline to remove your eye makeup. It causes eye puffiness and milia. It is an occlusive, which means it doesn’t come off with soap and water,” Cooksey explained. “The only thing that will take an occlusive off is alcohol, which is strictly a no-no on your face.”

Recommendations: Cooksey recommends cleansing twice, starting with PreCleanse by Dermalogica, which melts away excess oil, sunscreen, waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and residual products that build up on skin throughout the day, then washing your face again with your cleanser.

Myth: Waxing makes facial hair come back darker and coarser.Truth: This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there, according to Cooksey. “Women’s facial hair is vellus hair (like baby hair), and when it comes back in, it comes back the same,” she said. “Waxing does not change the thickness or color of facial hair. You are pulling the hair out of the follicle, and very often, the more you wax it, the less grows back.”

Recommendations: Waxing is a good option for people who have strong, firm skin that is not lax. As skin gets older and becomes more fragile/less elastic, Cooksey recommends hard wax instead of strip wax. Or, you may want to consider dermaplaning (a form of exfoliation) instead.

Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer.Truth: All skin needs moisturizer because it protects the skin from the environmental assaut. “What you are trying to do is create a barrier to prevent moisture loss,” Cooksey said. It is common for oily skins to be dehydrated because people tend to strip the natural sebum layer with cleansers and toners and are often scared of using moisturizers thinking they will be too heavy or cause breakouts. “This simply isn’t true. Everyone needs a moisturizer, but not everyone needs a lubricant.”

Recommendations: People who have oily skin should look for an oil-free or water-based moisturizer. People with dry, parched, dehydrated skin definitely need lubrication. When shopping for a moisturizer or lubricant, ingredients to avoid include mineral oil, lanolin, isopropyl myristate (all pore-clogging ingredients), as well as artificial colors and fragrances, which can cause unexpected reactions, Cooksey explained. Instead, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acids to deeply moisturize and peptides to firm the skin.

Myth: Cold water will close your pores.Truth: “Cold water will constrict the blood vessels and remove excess oil. But pores have no muscles. You cannot tighten them. Your pores are your pores; that’s how your skin breathes,” Cooksey said. But pores become larger when congested with blackheads or whiteheads, she warned.

Recommendations: Thorough cleansing along with regular exfoliation will minimize the appearance of pores and prevent them from stretching due to congestion. Exfoliate a minimum of once a week for dry skin and two to three times a week for oily skin. (Daily exfoliation is not recommended as it can be too harsh.) “Look for a product that is encapsulated or a finely ground powder. Don’t scrub! Use your middle two fingers to gently move the product on your skin,” Cooksey advised.

Myth: Greasy foods and chocolate cause acne.Truth: There is nothing in either one that will cause or exacerbate acne.

Recommendations: “Dig in! Enjoy! Unless you are rubbing that pizza on your face, it’s not going to cause a breakout,” Cooksey said. Acne is often related to hormone imbalance and should be addressed with your physician, she explained. But another common cause of adult breakouts or sensitivities can often be traced to incompatible products. Cooksey recommends bringing all of your products to your skincare professional for review. While she doesn’t believe in wasting products, she can help you determine which ingredients may be in conflict and help pare down your regimen for better results between professional treatments or while transitioning to a new, personalized skincare routine.

Myth: All skincare products are created equal.Truth: There are three types of skincare products in terms of active ingredients and expected results: over the counter, professional, and pharmaceutical. If you choose not to invest in professional- or pharmaceutical-grade skincare products, you can still get good results with OTC products, but it will take longer, Cooksey explained.

Recommendations: When choosing skincare products, it is best to stick with one product line. According to Cooksey, products within the same line are meant to work together, so you are more likely to have positive results. Cooksey is happy to help you evaluate your skincare needs and tailor a program for your specific needs.

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The Face Place by kc is located at 23 Plantation Park Dr. in Bluffton. Services are available Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment, with other times and days by special request. For a complete list of services and more information, visit https://www.thefaceplacebykc.com/ or call (843) 384-5451.

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In September of 2006, Celebrate Hilton Head (CH2) burst onto the scene with a fresh perspective on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding Low Country. At the helm was a team of young women (all under 30!) with no experience whatsoever in the publishing industry. The first year they made up the rules as they went along. CH2 (and CB2 – Celebrate Bluffton and Beyond), has evolved into a well-respected publication with over 150 advertisers and a distribution to over 47,000 locals and visitors each month.

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